Laptop

Hi Everyone-
I'm a dunce when it comes to computers.  I'm buying a laptop here in the states and I want to be sure I can use it when I move to England in May.  Will I have to get a special power cord?  The computer I'm looking at is an Apple MacBook 3.3.  THANKS!

Just my opinion, but if you are moving to England in May, I would not buy a laptop in the States.  You are going to have voltage/outlet issues as well as you will not be easily able to type pound signs and other characters unique to UK keyboards. If you do get one, you definetly need a cord with a UK plug on it or use an outlet converter.

Hi Everyone-
I'm a dunce when it comes to computers.  I'm buying a laptop here in the states and I want to be sure I can use it when I move to England in May.  Will I have to get a special power cord?  The computer I'm looking at is an Apple MacBook 3.3.  THANKS!

I personally wouldn't wait to get a computer until you get to the UK unless you'll be happy using the different layout of the UK keyboards (I prefer the US style). As for the pound sign, I just copy and paste it when needed. My husband and I both have Dell laptops, and they both are dual voltage. That means all we need is either our regular power cord and and a converter plug (bought at Wal-Mart for less than $10 if I recall) or you can buy an alternate power cord for the UK. We have transformers in the house for our other US goods, but they aren't required for the laptops since these are dual voltage. I don't know about Macs; I'd say a simple google search should answer your question if no one on here can.

I don't know about Macs; I'd say a simple google search should answer your question if no one on here can.

Macs are dual voltage and you only need an adaptor and that usually comes with the computer. You will still save a little bit of money buying it in the US and you can chose a UK keyboard format in the operating system if you want.

You can use American laptops in the UK.  The voltage adapter is standard, all you'll need is a regular plug adapter US-UK, which are available all over. 

I bought my MacBook at the Apple Store in SF in April 2007.  It has a US keyboard (obviously), which I prefer; I use my Mac on a daily basis, in the UK, and have never felt it necessary to switch keyboard formats.  (Option+3 = £, and aside from the occasional euro sign, I've never needed anything else.)

Rather than buying a whole new brick and cord adapter (something like $80?), I chose to drop about $30 on a world-wide adapter kit, and just switch out the little plug nodes when I travel.  So far I've used the UK one, both European ones, and the extra US one (convenient, as I left the old one at my parents' house so I don't have to remember to pack one when I go home), and I've never had a problem whatsoever.

Awesome- thanks everyone!

Since everyone spoke about the power I won't add in anymore
Also you mentioned you're not computer savvy
While you can use it, if your computer breaks down you will have a hard time getting the warantee repairs done in the UK.  I know there is a worldwide warantee but if you look at the fineprint in the terms of conditions it says

Apple's obligation to repair or replace shall extend onnly to Covered Equipment located in the United States of America or Canada except for (A) portable computers, meaning those that can operate independently without a power cord, and (B) Mac mini, for which Apple will provide global repar and replacement service.

So read carefully or ask to make sure before purchase

you can chose a UK keyboard format in the operating system if you want.

Not sure about the Apple Mac keyboard layouts, but remember that this will sometimes affect not just the specific symbols you have in mind, but also a few others you might not expect, e.g. the U.K. settings for a PC keyboard swap " and @.